Patrick Peterson ‘Relieved’ After 6 Game Suspension Announced

Arizona Cardinals All-Pro defensive back Patrick Peterson has been suspended by the National Football League for a violation of the "performance-enhancing substance policy."

Details of the violation, which has resulted in a six game suspension, will remain confidential per the agreement between the NFL and the players' union. Peterson initially indicated that he would appeal the suspension, which could cost him as much as $3.3 million in lost salary, but announced Thursday he would accept the league's punishment.

Rumors persisted that Peterson had known for months that a lengthy suspension could be on the way. From nfl.com:

"'Definitely, definitely sorry [for] what broke out today, but for the most part, I think you guys understand my character and also understand my commitment on and off the field, and also to my teammates, and also to the Arizona Cardinals organization,' Peterson said in a statement to the local media at the 2019 Patrick Peterson Celebrity Golf Tournament. 'That's why this is apparently very, very hard for me because I've obviously never been in this situation before and never wanted to have my name attached to anything like this. But I'm looking to move forward and put this behind me.'

"'I knew about it for months," Peterson said. 'I'm not happy, but relieved that it's out.'

"'Peterson told the press he expected the announcement of his suspension to come out next week and was disappointed it came out on the day of his golf tournament.'

"He also said his relationship with the Cardinals franchise is 'great.'"

Peterson has two years remaining on his current contract, which will pay him $11 million this year and over $12 million in 2020.